Visual tones that support the story, atmosphere and creative direction.
Color grading shapes the visual character of moving images through colour, contrast, tonal balance and mood. From natural-looking visuals to stylised cinematic tones, it helps establish the atmosphere and visual identity of a film or video.
PROJECT TYPES
WHAT WE GRADE
FILMS & SHORT FILMS
DOCUMENTARIES
A considered colour approach that respects the subject and real-world setting.
CINEMATIC PROJECTS
Colour and contrast shaped to establish a distinct visual character.
REAL-WORLD FOOTAGE
Balancing colour and tonal differences across footage captured in different conditions.
CREATIVE VISUALS
Exploring colour and mood to achieve a chosen visual direction.
WHY IT MATTERS
WHY COLOR GRADING
COLOUR & TONE
Colour influences how a scene is perceived.
MOOD & ATMOSPHERE
Colour choices influence the feeling of a scene.
VISUAL CONSISTENCY
Shots need to work together throughout a sequence.
CONTRAST & DEPTH
Tonal relationships help shape the image.
CREATIVE INTENT
The grade should support the intended look and feel of the project.
BEFORE GRADING BEGINS
WHAT TO DISCUSS
PROJECT & FOOTAGE
What are we grading, and what footage is available?
REFERENCE & EXPECTATIONS
Are there reference images or a particular visual style to follow?
FINAL USE
Where and how will the finished project be presented?
VISUAL DIRECTION
What look, mood or atmosphere are you aiming for?
FOOTAGE CONDITIONS
How were the shots captured, and what differences exist between them?
EVERY PROJECT IS DIFFERENT
PROJECT SCOPE
Color grading requirements depend on the footage, project scale, visual direction and intended result. The scope and quotation are discussed according to the individual project.